Utica: The Last Refuge

Utica: The Last Refuge follows the Azeins, a refugee family of four from Sudan, over the course of 2.5 years as they transition from isolation to being part of a larger, thriving community. They arrive at Syracuse International Airport in New York, finally making it to the U.S. after spending six years in an Ethiopian camp. Adding a layer of tension to their story is the ongoing unprecedented upheaval of U.S. policies towards refugees.

The ups and downs of their acclimation is softened by the city of Utica, NY. Devastated by massive population loss following the departure of corporate manufacturing in the 90s, the city began to welcome refugees with open arms as a way to build back their tax base. In a matter of years, it became abundantly clear that the long-term social, cultural, and economic benefits far outweighed the short term costs of resettling refugees in the city.

Nationally regarded as a model agency for refugee resettlement, the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees (MVRCR) partners with local business, politicians, and community members to help the town's refugees achieve rewarding jobs and comfortable lives for them and their families. As of 2017 refugee families made up nearly twenty percent of Utica's population. But with the Trump administration's changes to refugee resettlement policy, the MVRCR faces new stresses as their funding is contingent on refugees entering the US, and other impacts of the policy change ripple through the community. The Azeins' journey and those of their peers will become much more difficult if the MVRCR's ability to assist them is compromised.

Providing a contrast against common misconceptions about refugees and their impact on the areas where they resettle, Utica: The Last Refuge highlights the deep work done both by resettlement agencies and refugees alike, and shows how thoughtful civic humanitarianism can result in myriad benefits for communities and their existing residents.

The full 10-page guide will be emailed following your order of the film.

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FILMMAKER'S STATEMENT: "Utica: The Last Refuge is a passion project. After DP Adam Bedient and I had produced several short films on refugee issues for the International Rescue Committee, we wanted to do something more substantial for this vulnerable population. What struck us immediately is that so few refugees worldwide are being resettled.

We hope you will find the story of Utica’s reinvention of itself as a haven for refugees inspiring, as we have. It’s a great reminder of how the United States was built and that great kindness regularly repays itself."